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Finite Element Analysis Model for Assessing Expansion Patterns from Surgically Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion
Published on: October 20, 2023
Evaluation of changes in nasal airway in patients having undergone surgically assisted maxillary expansion
Ivson Souza Catunda1, Belmiro Cavalcanti do Egito Vasconcelos, Antônio Figueiredo Caubi
1Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil.
Introduction:
Surgically assisted maxillary expansion (SAME) is used to treat transverse maxillary discrepancies. The effect of this technique on the nasal airway has been the subject of a large number of studies.
Objective:
The aim of the present study was to identify changes in the nasal airway in patients having undergone SAME.
Materials And Methods:
A prospective study was carried out on a sample of 10 patients having undergone SAME who agreed to participate in all phases of the study. Data acquisition involved a questionnaire, Glatzel mirror, and computed tomography measurements in both the preoperative and postoperative periods.
Results:
Nasal width increased in all patients following SAME (mean increase: 1.29 mm). The mean opening of the intermaxillary space was 5.30 mm. The postoperative nasal airway was larger in 8 patients (80%), with a mean increase of 0.30 cm(2) (18.52%). A significant overall increase (P < 0.05) in the nasal valve angle occurred in the postoperative period. The use of the Glatzel mirror revealed a smaller area of condensation in the postoperative period in only 1 patient.
Conclusions:
The nasal airway underwent a positive change following surgically assisted maxillary expansion. Moreover, the nasal valve angle is suggested as a new parameter for the analysis of this improvement.
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